COVID-19

For information about vaccinations, visit the COVID-19 Vaccinations page.

Updated July 19, 2021.

For the latest information from Western Michigan University, visit the WMU news web page about COVID-19. Highlights of the health center's response include:

  • Offering vaccinations at no-cost to WMU students, faculty and staff.

  • WMU is covering out-of-pocket testing costs related to COVID-19 for students, faculty and staff who meet certain criteria.

Any WMU student, faculty or staff member with or without COVID-19 symptoms may contact the Sindecuse Health Center for testing:

  • If you have symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell or close contact with someone with a confirmed positive case, make an appointment on the patient portal. If the portal shows no openings available, we may be able to schedule you earlier by phone.
  • If you're not experiencing symptoms you may call us to be placed in a drive-thru testing appointment.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). The virus can be spread by people before they show symptoms, or if they never develop serious symptoms.

Symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure, based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses:

  • Fever (above 100.4F degrees)
  • Cough (not due to a chronic condition)
  • Chills
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sudden loss of sense of taste or smell
  • Muscle aches (not due to a chronic condition)
  • Diarrhea (not due to a chronic condition)
  • Severe fatigue
  • Nasal congestion (not due to a chronic condition)

Prevention and Treatment

The best way to prevent illness is to get vaccinated. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC recommendations and government orders for using a face covering.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

What to do if you develop symptoms

Call ahead to a healthcare professional—do not visit in person—if you develop any of the symptoms described above or if you have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 and are not yet fully vaccinated.

Your healthcare professional will determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.